OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to provide a decision support tool that allows for a better understanding of shading levels in palm-based agroforestry schemes. The methodology relies on the use of an architectural model that reproduces 3D palm tree models, coupled with a light model that simulates the available solar radiation between the palm trees at ground level.

Here we propose to compile a list of all the designs suggested by farmers in the Optipalmex project. The designs put forward are either in a quincunx or square layout. These designs can be characterized by two parameters: inter-row and intra-row distances.

Other designs involve multiple rows of palms (defined by inter-row and intra-row distances), along with the incorporation of intercropping lines for food, fruit, or tree crops. An additional parameter (intercropping distance) determines the spacing between these multiple palm rows. In this design approach, farmers have suggested twin row, triple row, quadruple row, and quintuple row layouts. All these designs are structured based on a quincunx arrangement within the palm rows. The grey circules indicate old planting positions of a conventional 9 x 9 quincunx design.

Quincunx designs (Triangulo)

Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 7.8m. (T 9m x 9m)

Here is an example of the reference design with a 9 x 9 quincunx design. The paramteres are inter-row distance = 7.8 m and intra-row distance = 9m. Both orientations North-South and East-West are presented.

Intra-row = 11m & Inter-row = 9.5m. (T 11m x 11m)

Here is another example of quincunx design with a 11 x 11 m. The paramteres are inter-row distance = 9.5 m and intra-row distance = 11m. The density is thus reduced to 95 palms per hectare

Intra-row = 18m & Inter-row = 15.6m. (T 18m x 18m)

A quincunx design 18 x 18 m reduced sharply the density to 35 palms per hectare

Squared designs (Cuadrado)

The following designs are squared layout with the different distances proposed by the farmers

Intra-row = 9 & Inter-row = 8m. (C 9m x 8m)

Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 9m. (C 9m x 9m)

Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 11m. (C 9m x 11m)

Intra-row = 12m & Inter-row = 12m. (C 12m x 12m)

Twin-row designs

The following designs feature a twin-row layout. Each design is described as a combination of palms rows (in quincunx T or in square C) x intercropping distances.

2T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 7.8m) & Intercropping= 15.6 m

This design is the 9 x 9 m quincunx layout with one row out of three removed.

2T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 6.8m) & Intercropping= 16.6 m

2T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 6m) & Intercropping= 17.4 m

2T (Intra-row = 8m & Inter-row = 6.9m) & Intercropping= 16.5 m

2T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row =7.8m) & Intercropping= 12 m

The intercorpping distance can be adapted to increase oil palm density. Not prossible in replanting aerea

2C (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row =7.8m) & Intercropping= 12 m

With a 12m intercropping distance, a twin-row design with a square layout can be better adapted in replanting area

2C (Intra-row = 12m & Inter-row = 9m) & Intercropping= 12m.

Triple-row designs

3T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 7.8m) & Intercropping= 15.6m.

This design is the 9 x 9 m quincunx layout with one row out of four removed.

3T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 6.8m) & Intercropping= 17.6m.

Quadruple-row designs

4T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 7.8m) & Intercropping= 15.6m.

This design is the 9 x 9 m quincunx layout with one row out of five removed.

Quintuple-row designs

5T (Intra-row = 9m & Inter-row = 7.8m) & Intercropping= 15.6m.

This design is the 9 x 9 m quincunx layout with one row out of six removed.